Skylight.
Skylight - West End Play, London.
On Saturday after a shoot for The Girl in the Cafe, I went to a matinee session of the west end play Skylight staring a talented friend Bill Nighy; and his co-star Carey Mulligan.
I was taken back when I saw Bill arrive on stage as I haven't seen him in a while, let alone on stage. He is so tall and slim, vulnerable and he has what I can only describe as some sort of nervous energy - which makes him thrilling to watch. Whenever I see people I know performing or doing what they love, I get anxious with excitement and pride. This was no different. I understand how hard it is to put yourself out there - no matter how experienced you are, and out there he was.
I remember asking Bill one time what performance he was most proud of, and he suggested I watch his film The Girl in the Cafe (no connection to my programme) starring Kelly McDonald (No Country for Old Men), written and Directed by writing genius and fellow kiwi, Richard Curtis. Bill's performance there was inspiring, subtle and sad.
Here, Skylight reminded me of that and of his true acting chops. Yes, he's very funny, odd and very charismatic. But he is also an incredibly deep and complex actor. I'm sure you all know this already, but I assume everyone else has seen more of his commercial projects, so I feel its important to reiterate.
Both performances by Carey Mulligan and Bill Nighy in Skylight were excellent and their characters so volatile. I was totally put under a spell by Carey's voice. She has such a still and internal presence. It's quite incredible - unexpectedly powerful and unnerving. My producer (who came with me) has met her a number of times and said it was really eye-opening to see her this way, performing live - thoroughly impressed. Everything I've seen her in has been impressive.
I did have to concentrate quite hard though, not just because it was a warm and dark theatre, but because of its social & political subject matter and fast dialogue sparring. It was like a tennis match of very heavy words between Agassi and Sampras. I don't think I was properly prepared for such an intense play! It was confronting on many levels - about youth, age, society, class, money, love, adultery, family, loyalty, honesty, duty, deceit, culture, poverty….It left me almost stunned afterwards - I quickly got a port from the pop up in Soho, Churchills.
I realised how much hard work and time is put into doing each show. It must be emotionally and physically exhausting for Bill and Carey. But when its something you love and believe in, I bet it's also worth every moment.
I will always be grateful to Bill for coming down and supporting me at BAFTA for a Christchurch Earthquake Appeal that was showcasing a feature film I was in.
I'm so glad I got to see him in this play. Its real and reflective of what's going on today. It'll leave you with many questions. Hopefully one day soon I'll catch up with Bill over an espresso with a cheeky sweetener (that's how he likes it) and ask him his thoughts on such matters.
If you can still get tickets, you should go see it. It's an edgy alternative to the west end musicals. It's classy. Of course it is.